Taipei, 23 March 2007 – After last week’s announcement that it was entering the Off-Road World International Cycle Show in Taipei: Racing Torq RS and Racing Torq R. These are two high-range cranksets in carbon fiber compatible with the main drivetrains available on the market. with a range of dedicated wheels, Fulcrum now further increases its presence in the road sector by joining the field of components. Today, two crankset models are being presented at the inauguration of the
Racing Torq RS is ideal for those wanting a product for racing, as every detail has been designed with the dual objective of performance and light weight. To this end, Fulcrum Hollow Crank Technology has been applied: a special technology developed by Fulcrum that allows the cranks to be manufactured with a hollow structure, making them much lighter without decreasing their structural resistance.
Whereas Racing Torq R has been studied especially for who use their bicycle intensely and regularly, but not necessarily for competitions. In this case the main objective is performance.
Both the cranksets feature the Ultra-Torque system introduced very successfully last year by Campagnolo. Fulcrum has adopted it because right now it is state-of-the art in the field of cranksets for road bikes.
Racing Torq RS and Racing Torq R will be available in standard and compact versions.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Racing Torq RS crankset
Cranks: multi-directional carbon fiber with structure in unidirectional carbon fibre.
Hollow crank structure (Fulcrum Hollow Crank Technology)
Chainrings: CNC-machined forged aluminum
Screws: Ergal Toothing: 53/39 – 50/34
Lengths: 170 – 172.5 – 175 mm
Weight: 699 grams (including cups and bearings)
Racing Torq R crankset
Cranks: multi-directional carbon fiber with structure in unidirectional carbon fibre.
Chainrings: aluminum
Screws: steel
Toothing: 53/39 – 50/34 Lengths: 170 – 172.5 – 175 mm
Weight: 751 grams (including cups and bearings)
Racing Torq RS and Racing Torq R will be available from October.
ULTRA-TORQUE SYSTEM TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Ultra-Torque
The Ultra-Torque system was introduced last year by Campagnolo for its new range of cranksets. A name that immediately puts the spotlight on the extraordinary ability of this crankset-bottom bracket combo to transfer torque. Both cranks have a bottom bracket semiaxle integral with them in such a way as to form two “Ls”; these are then joined in the middle of the bottom bracket shell by means of a Hirth joint. The two semi-axles have a large section so as to be light and rigid at the same time. The Hirth joint which joins them is known for its use in the motor field where it is used to join together pieces of engine shafts which develop enormous power. This solution has made it possible to unite the two bottom bracket axles and transform them into an extremely rigid assembly. The Hirth joint is self-centring and self-aligning and is kept in one piece by a screw which preloads the assembly to over 600 kg.
Greater torsional stiffness and lateral rigidity
The Ultra-Torque system has been designed to deliver a decidedly superior result in terms of torsional stiffness and lateral rigidity. The semi-axles, joined by a Hirth-type joint, form an extremely rigid unit suitable for transferring incredibly high torque values.
Lateral dimensions unchanged
Thanks to Ultra-Torque there is no increase in the lateral dimensions of the cranks. Unlike other manufacturers who – because they use external bearings – were obliged to increase the dimensions of the cranks in the interface zone with the bottom bracket axle, Ultra-Torque overcomes the problem by resorting to semi-axles. This solution in fact allows the bearings to be inserted from the internal connecting point and therefore significantly increase the diameter of the interface between semi-axles and cranks. The result is that the cranks can be flatter in the connection zone with the same static strength and life cycle, thereby compensating for the greater thickness of the external cups.
Thanks to the Ultra-Torque system the cyclist will not experience any reduction in the space available and will not be obliged to make reparatory adjustments such as repositioning the pedal cleats to prevent rubbing between shoe or malleolus and the middle part of the crank.
Very low rotation friction
The Ultra-Torque system offers very low rotation friction thanks to the quality of the bearings used, the seal system, the refined design and the constructive rationality.
Fast and simple installation
Installing the Ultra-Torque crankset on your bicycle is amazingly straightforward: it involves screwing the two cups onto the frame and joining the two cranks together by means of a single screw. It’s as easy as that.
With an eye on standardisation that makes life simpler, Fulcrum decided to use tools already in existence. The cups are screwed in using tools available on the market and only a normal 10 mm allen key is needed to tighten the cranks.
Fast and simple maintenance
The crankset can be disassembled in just a few seconds: unscrew the screw which unites the two semi-axles using the 10 mm socket wrench; pull the cranks off the bottom bracket shell; clean and lubricate the bearings again. That’s that.
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"Fulcrum wheels have been a great success and have that Campagnolo feel to them. Now with Fulcrum adding MTB wheels and cranksets, Shimano riders can now enjoy Campy stuff without having those Campagnolo logos frowning down on their Shimano stuff!
I like Shimano and their stuff is fine, but after a 1+ yrs on Campy I have learned to appreciate the finer things in cycling!
Some will say "why does Campagnolo basically just re-badge their stuff under another name" I think it serves my point above. You get riders who may not like Campy stuff on their non-Campy bikes but would like to take advantage of other options.
To me Campagnolo is in a win/win situation here!"
